Nail fungus is gross; Avoid it

More common on toenails than fingernails, symptoms of nail fungus include yellow or brown nails, or nails that lift up from the nail bed or split or crumble. Without treatment, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, nail fungus can worsen and make it painful to wear shoes. Photo courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology. less

More common on toenails than fingernails, symptoms of nail fungus include yellow or brown nails, or nails that lift up from the nail bed or split or crumble. Without treatment, say dermatologists from the ... more

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More common on toenails than fingernails, symptoms of nail fungus include yellow or brown nails, or nails that lift up from the nail bed or split or crumble. Without treatment, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, nail fungus can worsen and make it painful to wear shoes. Photo courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology. less

More common on toenails than fingernails, symptoms of nail fungus include yellow or brown nails, or nails that lift up from the nail bed or split or crumble. Without treatment, say dermatologists from the ... more

More common on toenails than fingernails, symptoms of nail fungus include yellow or brown nails, or nails that lift up from the nail bed or split or crumble. Without treatment, say dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, nail fungus can worsen and make it painful to wear shoes.

For those looking to avoid nail fungus (and really, who doesn’t fit that description?), here are some tips from dermatologists:

* Keep your toenails trimmed short. This helps prevent debris from building up under the nails and minimizes the risk of nail injuries. Cut your nails straight across to keep them strong and avoid ingrown toenails.

* Wear shoes that properly fit. They should never touch your toenails. In addition, alternate the shoes you wear every day so that they can air out before you wear them again.

* Use antifungal sprays or powders. Spray or sprinkle it inside your shoes and on your socks before putting your shoes on to control sweat that can prompt fungal infections. This is especially important in hot weather or before a workout.

* Avoid going barefoot in public facilities like pools and locker rooms. Even when taking a shower in a public place, it’s important to wear shower shoes or flip flops, as the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, ringworm and other skin conditions may be on the floor.

* Never wear someone else’s shoes or share nail clippers and files. If you go to a nail salon for a pedicure, look around to make sure that staff are sanitizing tools and thoroughly disinfecting footbaths before each use, or use your own footbath. If the salon does not appear clean, move on.